The D4-500 from Thomann's in-house brand the t.amp is a budget-friendly four-channel power amplifier for FOH applications and more. The D4-500 differs from the heavier but more affordable TSA 4-300 in that it features versatile XLR/jack combo inputs and digital sound processing, and from the higher-priced Quadro 500 DSP in that it lacks the latter's free signal routing options and onboard processors, but users who can do without these get a reliable rack-mountable power amp whose weight - which is remarkably light compared to other amplifiers in this performance class - and minimal rack space requirements will certainly pay off.
The t.amp D4-500 delivers 500W into 4 ohms or 250W into 8 ohms from each of its four outputs and covers the entire normal range of human hearing with its frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. The front panel is home to the power switch and a bank of four input level controls, one for each channel, while the rear panel houses four XLR/jack combo inputs for receiving the incoming audio signal (e.g. from a mixing desk without its own power section) and four lockable NL4 (speaker twist) outputs for connecting passive speakers, which should of course be matched to the D4-500's power output. A "bridge" mode is also provided (which interconnects both channels to form one channel with double the output), as is a ground/lift function to prevent unwanted hum. Despite its depth of just 240mm, the t.amp D4-500 houses a temperature-controlled cooling fan and a limiter with a fixed threshold, and the whole thing tips the scales at just 4.6kg.
The t.amp D4-500 gives event organisers an easy-to-operate tool whose four outputs allow stereo amplification and a range of other sonic possibilities for live events and home cinema applications, while its light weight and compact dimensions make it portable enough for touring bands, DJs, and even solo entertainers to transport and set it up by themselves. Mounting the D4-500 in a rack allows the amplifier to be transported in complete safety and eliminates the danger of dirt and contamination when it is stored away after use (especially helpful for operators of function rooms and youth centres, for example). And of course, its shallow depth makes the D4-500 a great choice for home party rooms, where space is frequently restricted.
the t.amp is one of the many in-house brands belonging to Musikhaus Thomann, and since 1998 has offered power amplifiers, complete passive PA sets, keyboard amplifiers, and connection systems. The brand’s entire product range delivers an impressive combination of quality and reliability at attractive prices, and users can find a convincing and affordable solution for every application: From youth clubs and sports halls through to congress centres and much more.
The t.amp D4-500 can provide sound for both the band and the audience, which is achieved by sending the mixing desk's main output to the FOH speakers via two of the D4-500's outputs and two AUX outputs from the mixing desk to passive monitor speakers for the musicians on stage via the other two outputs. The aforementioned bridge mode in turn comes into play and provides an extra boost when more powerful sound reinforcement is needed. Having four channels also makes the t.amp D4-500 highly adaptable to rooms of different sizes: If the room is particularly wide, for example, two speakers can be placed at either side of the stage in order to cover the middle and sides of the acoustic space, while the use of a delay line in addition to the front-of-house PA enables greater clarity to be achieved in deeper rooms such as churches.